"Lukas Podolski was number two and he was not on the pitch, Theo Walcott was number three and he was not on the pitch as well. It was him or Santi Cazorla to take it.

"Arteta was completely upset. Mikel is a guy who is highly focused and motivated to win the game every time. One thing you cannot question about Mikel Arteta is his desire to win and to do well for the team.

"Then, on the other hand you want your players to have personality and take responsibility."

Wenger went on to list a number of stars who have miscued spot-kicks and claimed Arteta should not be scrutinised for his miss.

He continued: "With penalties; give me one player in the world that’s never missed a penalty?

"Lionel Messi scored 76 last year but he missed one against Chelsea in the semi-final of the Champions League. Andrea Pirlo missed, everybody has missed.

"That’s part of the game and you have to accept that. Of course it’s frustrating but when someone misses people say, ‘why did you not name another one?’

"The other one could have missed as well that’s the simple reality of our game."